My husband and I haven’t vacationed together in nearly 2.5 years thanks to the recession, moving to North Carolina, and starting a new job (him) and launching a new career (me). Flying off to the Caribbean for a few weeks isn’t an option for us, right now.
Many of you are in the same boat. You’re foregoing vacations, this year, and opting to stay at home and attack piles of crap in your garage and basement. Thanks to the recession, you are saving money, vacationing locally, and finally donating that big pile of old clothes to the Goodwill. I’ve seen some of your pictures on Facebook. Many of you are working in your yards, staining the deck, and changing the brakes on your wife’s car.
We’re all living the American dream, aren’t we?
Since it’s Friday, I want you to dream & reminisce. Tell me about your best vacation of all time. Where did you go? Who was with you? Would you go back there, again? Do you have a dream vacation you’re waiting to take? I want to hear all about it, and if you can link to pictures and websites, even better.
My dream vacation? Back to Maui, where I honeymooned, but I would like to spend some time on the Hana side of the island. Lush tropical rainforests. Gentle ocean breezes. Bring me a Mai Tai, too.
{ 42 comments… read them below or add one }
Laurie
Has to be the 7 days we spent driving the South Island of New Zealand.
Plane flights over the glaciers, ocean excursions at some of the most beautiful coastlines, whale watching, bungee jumps, and of course penguins off the south coast. The diversity of events and opportunity crammed into one little island is incredible! Having a 16 month old in the backseat limited some of the thrill seeking, but definitely a trip will take again!
Rob
We always find a way to travel (seven trips so far this year), so I might not be the best example, but one of our favorite trips was to South Africa in 2004 (photos here-http://www.ericandleandra.com/photos/south_africa/). We went back in late 2006 (http://www.ericandleandra.com/photos/south_africa_06/) and frankly, I would head back there in a minute given the chance.
My aunt lives south of Cape Town so we had the extra bonus of seeing family as well. We wine tasted, visited game reserves, drove all over the place and generally hung out in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Highly recommended!
I have traveled much of the world and my list of favorites is fairly long. If forced to pick from the places that I have already been it would be one of these two;
Maldives: Beautiful beaches, few people, great snorkeling and diving. In the late 80s we stayed on a very small atoll with only a handful of bungalows, but I see now they are building resorts there so I expect ti will not be as nice as it once was. http://www.mymaldives.com/
Phuket, Thailand: beaches, gems, friendly people, rock climbing, and great food what more could you want. Though Thailand is a thir world country it is a beautiful friendly place. I understand there has been an influx of crime from the Russian mafia in the seedy areas. So unless your looking to import heroin or working girls you should remain safe. http://www.gothailand.com/
If I were headed to new territory I would head to Africa. Three years ago we had booked a 21 day safari in Namibia but a family disaster forced us to cancel the trip. I am dreaming but a 21 day walking safari in Masailand is just what the doctor ordered..
http://www.safaritrackers.com/static/tanz/tanz.htm
My favorite vacation was actually last year when I travel to Chicago for the SHRM Conference, but added a few days before the conference to enjoy the city and it was wonderful. The first day I got there, I went to a “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me” taping (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=34615767&id=15614703); the following day, I went to the Cubs-White Sox game at Wrigley and then walked around Millennium Park; the next day, took a tour of the Chicago buildings and then walked to the Pier to see the fireworks. Finally, after the Sunday conference, I went to a Local H concert and ears were ringing throughout the week.
My dream vacation would be take my wife (whoever that be) around the world to explore and see the world’s cities and enjoy their culture. Thankfully, that will be in the next 5-15 years.
I will be posting pictures of my Great American Road Trip vacation on my blog in the next few days, but that wasn’t my favorite vacation of all time. I actually have a tie for number 1.
Costa Rica – we went for a wedding, a friend of ours was getting married to a woman from Costa Rica, and a group of us (including the bride and groom) spend a week touring the country with an insiders perspective. Highlights included a night hike in the rain forest, swimming under a 300′ waterfall, exploring the cloud forest, watching a volcano erupt, and of course monkeys, lots and lots of monkeys (which automatically give points to any vacation).
France, I loved Paris (of course), but the real highlight for me was going to Epernay to visit the Moet et Chandon winery (that’s who makes Dom Perignon) and Reims to visit Piper-Heidsieck, my favorite champagne house. Puf loves wine, but most especially champagne, so this was a great trip, and it was a valentines gift so very romantic.
ahhh…Hawaii, amazing place! Maui comes in second for me only because my husband wasn’t there when I went. I’m voting for our honeymoon-Cabo San Lucas. We were stressed from working numerous jobs and going to school so we did NOTHING on this trip but lay at the pool in these cool partially submerged loungers and drink all sorts of fun creations–from pina coladas to purple mother fers (i have no idea). Wouldn’t go back as there are far too many other places to explore but happy we went. I consider myself very lucky this year to be taking a vacation. We will be going on a cruise to Alaska in a week with his family as a celebration for his grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary. Maybe I’ll have a new favorite!
I don’t have a vacay story, sorry. I just wanted to thank you for not saying “staycation.” Oh noes! Now I said it!
Oooh- this is a tie. My honeymoon spot was amazing. We stayed at Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica. It takes a little while to get there- but it’s well worth it (and there are NO kids), it’s all inclusive and the food is spectacular! http://www.couples.com/12sw/index.html
Also, for our 1 year anniversary we went to Nevis and stayed at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club. Again, a bit of traveling to actually get there- but so worth it. We went in July and it was quiet- it’s a smaller resort but certainly not lacking. Heck- we got a free upgrade! There are NO TVs but you really wouldn’t care.
http://www.nisbetplantation.com/
Hands down though- if you want to best beach in the Caribbean- it’s Grand Anse in Grenada.
Many memorable places for different reasons. Iceland last year w/ MIL, FIL, and spouse was great. We all get along, which helps. Great scenery, really different type of place. ’cause no one speaks Icelandic everyone (Europeans included) spoke English. We went pre-crunch so everything was still expensive (but available).
France was also a lot of fun. Did Paris and toured chateaus in the Loire valley. We both speak francais, so the trip was no hassle. Great food, navigating was easy too.
And of course Maui. Was there twice. The last visit I tried to ride a bike UP the Haleakala volcano (over 10,000 ft. in 38 miles). Weather was too rainy, only made it to 6,500 ft. Was climbing at 1,000 ft. every 1/2 hour, felt good, just got tired of riding wet, impenetrable fog, did not feel safe. Two days later did a nice 50 mile ride in about 2:45.
My favourite trip (so far) was the 2 weeks that we spent in Costa Del Sol in Spain. We rented a townhouse and lived like the locals. It was beautiful, the people are friendly, the food is delicious, and there’s so much to see and do. I can’t wait to go back and do it all again!
@John – Phucket, Thailand has to be a winning suggestion for F@%K it Friday. Lol
With a new baby and one less income, we’ll be doing a driving tour of relatives & friends homes this August. Stops include Cleveland, OH; Toledo, OH; Door County, WI; and Eau Claire, WI. Other than the driving it should be a relaxing week and a half to two weeks.
My favorite recent vacation was our family trip to Disneyland last year. The kids were just the right age (7 & 4) to really enjoy it and it really was magical. But what I’m really looking forward to is when the kids get a bit older and we can travel abroad. However, my list of where I’d like to go is so long I don’t think I can take up that much comment space!
I don’t have a favorite yet, but I’m taking a vacation soon to MAINE!! WHOOHOO!!! It will be awesome and I’ll of course post pics for all you jealous mofo’s!
Maine, do they have a state motto? Is it “Almost as good as being in Canada, without having to really go to Canada”.
I not only talk about work/life flex. I’ve lived it…a lot…and so has my husband.
Here is our trip around the world after we both stopped about 10 years of grueling work – him owning a retail busines, me working in live sports TV: http://www.larrysax.com/trip – the great part about it was it was he & I together in the same place at the same time – and then we got to meet up with many friends along the way.
Don’t think I could replicate that, though. So, the trip I’m dying to go on again is to Botswana – Okovango Delta, Moremi game reserve, Chobe national park – with my little one when she’s older. Husband and I honeymooned it (in tents with pit toilets – no luxuries – we’re backpacker types) and it was by far the greatest trip of my life.
Favorite single vacation: 6 months of drunken fun in Prague. I went right after graduation and drank until my money was gone. At the time, beer in Prague cost about $.12 so I was able to stretch it out a looooong time.
Favorite married vacation: Quebec. Just my wife and I in a bed and breakfast. First child MAY have been conceived there. (TMI) It can be a very romantic city.
I’d love to say that I’ve had a favorite vacation with the kids, but while they’ve been fun, they’re too stressful to be on my favorites list. I normally need a couple days to unwind after family vacation.
@Rob Whoa, what a trip. I bet it was gorgeous. I’ve heard great things about NZ. So beautiful and amazing!
@Leandra Ooooh, so fun. Mmmmmm… wine & good food & travel. You & Eric do it right!!
@Alecia Oh, that Alaska cruise is supposed to be AWESOME. Have fun. I’m jealous!
@George Staycations can suck it.
@John Holy smokes, that’s an awesome travelogue. What a life. I’m dreaming with you… eyes closed… thinking about hot sand on my feet…
@Tracy I’m from Chicago and I’m like, “Really? You enjoyed it?” I love Wait Wait and a Cubs/Sox game is fun. I also know the world of Local H. You had a *very* Chicago trip! PS – I was at the SHRM conference, last year. Why didn’t we know one another??
@Puf You are such a romantic. Champagne, wine, and Paris? Nice. Sounds like love was in the air. Rawr.
@Karen Oooooh, Nevis. Nice. I’m laughing about Grenada. Really? Didn’t we invade that country back in the 80s? I’m going to google that beach right now & add it to my list.
@HHSpouse Oooh, Iceland. I did the ride down Haleakala (you are brave riding UP!) on my first trip to Maui and it was sketchy — bad bikes. Our second trip to Maui (in 2005) was fun but I was like, “Let’s skip the rented bikes, okay?”
@Kimberley I love that you went native. How wonderful!
@HRPuter I know the world of Door County very well. If you don’t stop at Perry’s Cherry in Sturgeon Bay for a shake on the way up to the peninsula, you aren’t American.
@Darcy I love that you enjoyed Disney. It’s good to take them at 4&7 because they aren’t jaded, yet. Awesome.
@teresahrgirl I’m laughing because you need a passport to go to Canada, and I’m like, “Really? Isn’t Canada just a suburb of Maine?”
@Leanne Ooooooooh, nice!
@DanFlan I hear you on kids + vacation. I totally understand why some parents put their kids on leashes, and I’m being serious. How do you contain them?
What the F@%k does this have to do with HR at all? You are such an idiot.
Italy on the honeymoon with the wife last year. 4 days in Rome, 3 days in Tuscany (Montecatini/Florence), and 3 days in Venice. Great sights, food, and company. Would go back in a heartbeat.
I’m w/ Puff-n-Stuff!! Costa Rica is AH*mazing and monkey always make for a better trip!
I have the benefit of having married a Dutchman and the excuse of needing to see his family in Holland and France. Our best trip to Europe, however, was in 2005 when his sister got married in Tuscany. We flew over earlier with the kids, toured through Rome and Florence first, then met the family at the villa they had rented in Anghiari. It was a great trip!
We also took a fabulous vacation out to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone last year, and we are huge Disney fans.
These trips have left our bank accounts bleeding no doubt, but I wouldn’t trade the experiences for anything!
@akaBruno Oooooh, romance + good food + wine. UR DOIN IT RITE.
@CoolAid You can’t go wrong with Puf. Do you read his blog? Awesome stuff.
@kirsten You know, the Jackson Hole trip sounds lovely. I’ve seen more of other countries than I’ve seen of America.
One week at Club Med – Paradise Island, Fall 1983. Can’t go back because I’m no longer single.
Besides, that club has since closed.
By far it has to be my 6 week vaca/education of taking an interesting business class in London, while touring Paris, Germany, Mallorca/Spain, Amsterdam/Holland. Must hit up Italy next time! (which is hopefully going to be Summer 2010)
I second the Grand Anse on Grenada. Amazing island, I will go back and hike their beautiful mtns. (And yes, we liberated the island in the 80′s – and they are still thankful to the Marines – its written on a concrete embankment coming down from Crater Lake)
Best vacation was the one I took while laid off this year. 10 days on the QM2 in the Carribean, including Grenada (in January, escaping the cold of the winter) with my mother – sharing those memories and adventures with her was an unforgettable experience. And I’m a poster child for the Cunard Line – luxury cruising that is unmatched. (but not outofthisworld pricing)
*sigh* I dream of the day where I can finally go on a vacation that does not involve mine or my bf’s families.
Last actual vacation I took on my own was in 2005 – to San Diego. 6 months later, I packed what I could into my Hyundai Tucson and moved there.
Best vacation I took – toss up between Spring Break 1997 in Negril, Jamaica and a work trip to Puerto Rico in 2003 (I think). Jamaica is just awesome and fun and beautiful. Puerto Rico is too – downside was that we had to do a few “team building” things there, upside is that it was all free and we got to bring a guest!
@Laurie I only discover your name after the trip by Googling last year’s conference. Actually, I founded Melina Murray’s first and it went to you.
Maui in 2007. We went the week before Thanksgiving and the only people there were retirees. Not only was I the best looking gal in a bathing suit, but everything was so relaxed. We did a lot of deli sandwiches and beer on the beach for dinner, watched the luau from our lanai, and just laid around. I read 5 books on that vacation and not one of them was business related. It was by far the best trip we’ve had the chance to take and I can’t remember feeling that relaxed before or since.
@Rodney — Well, HR/Payroll tracks vacation time and HR people take vacations too!! Why can’t we find out where each goes to relax and let off some HR steam. It’s obvious you need to use some of your vacation time ASAP.
My best vacation was right after my sophomore year in college I went to Germany by myself. I was dating a German (long story) and he invited me over to visit and attend his brother’s wedding. His brother and SIL invited us to go with them to Ireland after their wedding so I spent 3 weeks in Germany and 2 weeks in Ireland before returning to the states. Needless to say the relationship didn’t last but my memories always will. While in Germany I was able to find where my parents had lived when my Dad was stationed in the Army there. In fact, their landlord still lived there. I crashed her birthday party bearing pictures of my parents and she was so excited to see them and meet me. Ireland is a must vacation. I didn’t make it to Northern Ireland but the southern half is gorgeous. Pictures do not do it justice.
My dream vacation besides returning to Europe would be Australia. It has always peaked my interest and hopefully one day I will make it there.
How did we all wind up in HR instead of the travel industry?
I kind of fail at staying home this year since I made a goal to travel somewhere at least once a month as my New Year’s resolution (and it was not one I’ve given up on!).
My birthday vacation this year may be a favorite. I wanted to spend my birthday in Paris, so my cousin, some friends and I went to Paris for a few days (long enough for me to have cake, be a tourist and take some pictures), then headed to southern France, then to German, Spain, the Czech Republic and back to Pairs for a few days. It was the perfect way to celebrate, even if we did have some hangups on the way (like missing our train to Spain and having to take one from Heidelberg to Frankfurt — not our plan! — so we could fly to Madrid), but I met new people, ate a WHOLE LOT and loved it.
Another favorite this year was going to Tulsa, OK (sounds thrilling already, no?) so I could visit a friend and see a Linda Eder concert (which I’d been wanting to do forever but had never made it a priority). Giving up on being a responsible adult for a year has been wonderful (o: Too bad I have to go back to normal again come January.
My honeymoon 23 yrs ago showing my age), we went to Disney world and stayed at Polynesian. My mother had died 12 days earlier and we had to decide whether to postpone wedding or not. We went fwd…its what my mom would have wanted.
The vacation was cathartic…and bittersweet…lifes funny in that you can mingle the best and worst circumstances and end up with something memorable…There were only three property hotels back then and we traveled via the Monorail…Epcot was as good then as it is now…nothing beats the magic of Disney…we have been back 6 more times since then with our daughter and friends. Where else can you go and waite on 90 minute lines and still smile!
M
The best vacation is the one we’re currently on; last night in Winston-Salem after 8 hrs on road; heading down to Emerald Isle today for a week. Never been to NC. So far, real nice!!
I love history. I love places to go, see and learn.
1. Charleston, SC. My favorite place on earth. Gorgeous, historical, chocked full of Southern Hospitality, delicoius Low Country Cuisine. The Charleston Place Hotel is sublime. Walk the streets. Take the tours. When I die, I will go to Charleston, not heaven.
2. Salem, MA @ Halloween. Beautiful foliage. The Real “House of the Seven Gables.” The Hawthorne Hotel. (As in Nathaniel.) The Salem Witch Museum. Can’t say that it was the best – but gave great memories. I’d do it again in a heart beat.
I had a lovely vacation in Jamaica with my sister a few years ago. We swam in the ocean, drank every rum drink offered to us, and basically did as much relaxing as someone can do. Here are the photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/averagejane/sets/72157594378625605/
I also enjoyed my road trip to Nashville with my husband a few months ago. It was his birthday gift, so I tried to make it all about him, but I had a good time seeing him back in his “second home.” Those pix: http://www.flickr.com/photos/averagejane/sets/72157618725096794/
So, it has to be Positano, on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. (If you saw “Under the Tuscan Sun,” Positano was the town on the coast that she went to visit where the hot guy’s family lived.) It is absolutely spectacularly beautiful, romantic and the food. OMGosh! The food! Lots of cool day trips to take from there: Capri, Sorrento, Amalfi and Pompei. And did I mention the food? There’s something magical about how the sun shines through the air in Italy. It just feels different. Better, alive, romantic. And did I mention the food?
@Rick Club Med is very 80s. Are they still open? I remember seeing those commercials as a kid. I just assumed Club Med = swingers and alcohol.
@KFP Whoa, you can finally decompress after six weeks. Wow! That’s awesome.
@tlcolson Two votes for Grenada? I’m sold. PS – I can’t get my husband on a cruise boat. He won’t do it. Refuses on principle that we’re neither old nor retired.
@ME I had to do some HR stuff in Puerto Rico, too. By team building, I mean lay a few people off. The good news? I drank. Heavily.
@Jackbuilt Schwooooo, that sounds awesome. I’ll tell you what: I would vacation *anywhere* if I could be guaranteed that I wouldn’t have to wade through crowds of strollers and/or screaming kids.
@Sara I’m with you. I totally want to visit Australia. Maybe we’ll win a lottery or something.
@Kirsten No kidding.
@Kristy You are an inspiration. Why can’t this be your NEW normal?
@Mark Whoa, what a story. First of all, congrats on being married 23 yrs. Secondly, I went to Disney in 1982 BEFORE Epcot. I barely remember it. I was so young, but I do have some memories. I’ve never been back. The strongest memory I have is visiting the Polynesian hotel.
@Ken I can’t wait to hear about it!!
@Sue Oh, I’ve never been to Salem but I REALLY want to go to Charleston. You’ve inspired me.
@AverageJane I want to vacation at the Pancake Pantry.
@China I want to stow away with you on your next vacation. That sounds lovely. Also, the food? I’m not sure you mentioned it. Tell us about the food!
I’m late getting here, however, any year without a vacation or two is a really lousy year. Whether it be as simple as a week long camping trip to the shores of a lake in the western Maine mountains, the need to get out, about and away is strong enough not to be denied. We travel – alot. 46 states and a dozen or more countries.
Best vacation ever? Last year’s ten day bus tour of England, Scotland & Whales for our 25th wedding anniversary. A brief sampling of the pictures is available here http://www.flickr.com/photos/maineforestcafe/sets/72157611381088451/
So far this year – a patriotic pilgrimage to Williamsburg, Virginia.
Pending – a week long Rv-5th wheel trip to Eastport, Maine. The only view in front of our site is water and Canada.
Places to go back to – Edinburgh and London.
Places left to go – Alaskan cruise – May 2009. Ireland – 2010. Hawaii. Oregon & Washington. Then where – great ideas here.
My favorite vacation ever was definitely the one HR Minion and I took last year with a couple of other people when we went to Japan for two weeks, stopping in Hawaii for two days en route. It was only the second time I’ve been to another country (I’ve been in Canada a couple of times, though never for more than a day).
We don’t get to go on vacations nearly as often as we like, though, partially because of the need to travel to see family (which eats up any vacation budget we might have). I’m not sure we will go anywhere together at all this year, but we are thinking about doing something for our five-year anniversary next year.
@Tim You *must* do something for your 5 yr anniversary. Ken and I were out of work but we drove to New Buffalo, MI, and went to a casino. We lost $40, walked on the beach, and drove home to have dinner at a Chinese buffet.
@RMS So jealous about Maine. Everyone keeps talking about it. I’ve never been further north than Boston. That’s kind of like Maine, right?
Club Med still exists – plenty of locations around the world. Yes, the ’80s commercials were certainly enticing. So I tried it. It was relaxing and enjoyable. As far as I know, there weren’t any swingers. Alcohol? Well, to each his or her own.
Surf n Sand Hotel Laguna Beach (where I’ll live.. one day…)
Grove Park Inn Ashville, NC (the spa)
2 places I miss dearly
Links…
http://www.surfandsandresort.com/restaurant.html
http://www.groveparkinn.com/Leisure/